Activist Adam Kokesh pleads guilty to drug, weapons charges

WASHINGTON – The Marine Corps veteran and activist accused of openly carrying a shotgun in D.C.’s Freedom Plaza has pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges.

Adam Kokesh pleaded guilty in D.C. Superior Court on Wednesday to marijuana possession and weapons charges, and is scheduled for sentencing Jan. 17.

In a 22-second video uploaded to YouTube, Kokesh stands in an empty Freedom Plaza loading a shotgun. The video is dated July 4, 2013.

He pleaded guilty to three weapons charges: carrying a rifle or shotgun; an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.

He also admitted to a marijuana possession charge linked to smoking the substance near the White House in June.

The rifle possession charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. The other firearm charges are each up to one year, with potential fines.

The drug charge carries up to 180 days behind bars and a fine.

Kokesh had been arrested and charged with drug offenses in Fairfax County, Va., in July. He later was transferred from Fairfax County and charged in D.C. with openly carrying a shotgun in violation of D.C. laws.